Village life · Cho La
A night in a Silk Route homestay
The Cho La permit requires a night in an approved homestay at Kupup, Gnathang, Zuluk or Padamchen. It is cold and simple, and it is the best part of the trip for many people: dinner by the stove, starry skies and a slow morning at altitude.
The approved homestays for Cho La visitors are in the high villages of the Old Silk Route in Pakyong district: Kupup and Gnathang, both above 3,500 m, and Zuluk and Padamchen lower down. Families run them in their own houses or in small guest wings next door, with rooms of two to four beds and heavy quilts.
Dinner is usually rice, dal, vegetables, eggs or chicken, and hot tea, eaten near the kitchen stove, the warmest place in the house. Nights are well below freezing for much of the year, and power and hot water can be limited. Bring a warm sleeping layer, a torch and a power bank.
The night also helps your body adjust before the pass. Sleep may be broken at this height; that is normal. Drink water, avoid alcohol and tell your host and driver if you have a severe headache or vomiting. These villages are in Pakyong district; see our Old Silk Route pages for more.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Why do we need to stay in a homestay for the Cho La permit?
When Cho La and Doklam opened in 2025, the rules required visitors to book one night at an approved homestay at Kupup, Gnathang, Zuluk or Padamchen. The rule supports local families and helps visitors acclimatise before the pass. Check current status before you travel.
How cold is it at Kupup and Gnathang homestays?
Very cold. Nights fall below freezing for most of the year and can reach -10 °C or lower in winter. Rooms are not centrally heated; hosts provide heavy quilts. Bring thermals, a warm hat, socks and a down jacket, and sleep in layers.
Are Silk Route homestays suitable for older travellers?
Only for fit, healthy seniors who are comfortable with cold and basic facilities. Gnathang and Kupup are above 3,500 m, and bathrooms may be outside the room. Zuluk and Padamchen are lower and slightly easier. Anyone with heart or lung disease should consult a doctor first.
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